After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 44

Lawrence’s brow tightened even more.

Nestor mistook his silence for hesitation and scoffed, upping the offer. “Ten million. Take the money, find yourself any woman you want, and you’ll live like a king. Just give Catherine back to me.”

Lawrence let out a quiet sigh, his gaze steady on Nestor. “Nestor, I’m sorry, but I can’t agree to that. I married Catherine, and I plan to be there for her, always.”

“Still not enough for you? Fine. Twenty million. That’s as high as I go.” Nestor slapped his palm on the table, his voice rising. “Stop pretending. You think I don’t see what you’re after?”

Lawrence stood up and looked him in the eye, calm but firm. “You’ve got it all wrong. I married Catherine because I love her. It’s not about the money.”

Nestor snorted, not bothering to hide his contempt. “Don’t give me that. You’re just after her looks. If you loved her, you wouldn’t have her living in some dump, wearing a cheap ring. That’s all the proof I need.”

Lawrence gave a polite nod. “Sorry, I have a meeting to get to.” He turned and headed for the door.

Nestor’s voice rang out behind him, angry and sharp. “Lawrence, I’m warning you. Leave Catherine, or you’ll regret it.”

Lawrence paused, frowning, then checked his watch and walked off toward the biggest conference room on the top floor. Inside, thirty-five of Nexus Dynamics’ senior executives were waiting for him.

He pushed open the door, and the room went silent. All thirty-five execs stood at attention, eyes fixed on him as he walked to the head of the table.

“Let’s keep going,” Lawrence said, his voice even as he took his seat.

Meanwhile, Nestor stormed out of the lounge toward the elevator, fuming. If Lawrence kept pushing his luck, Nestor really would send someone to teach him a lesson.

At that same moment, news about the latest personnel changes at Nexus Dynamics was making its way into the executive office at The James Group.

Waldo leaned back hard in his chair, eyes glued to the name, still in disbelief. He tugged at his tie, feeling a headache coming on. His mind flashed back to eight years ago—Catherine, beaming as she waved her acceptance letter, telling him she was off to Polaris to study art and design.

She didn’t know the first thing about tech. How could she possibly be Chief Engineer at Nexus Dynamics?

The phone rang again. His assistant’s voice came through. “Mr. James, it’s confirmed. The new Chief Engineer for Nexus Dynamics’ R&D Division One is Catherine. If I’m not mistaken, she’s your… girlfriend?”

Waldo let out a laugh, sharp and disbelieving. “That’s ridiculous. Someone with an art degree, working at Nexus Dynamics, and as Chief Engineer? Does Nexus even bother with background checks anymore?”

He remembered an old subordinate who now worked in HR at Nexus Dynamics. Without hesitating, he dialed his number.

“Hey, I need a favor.”